Road signs/Y Intersection Sign
Y Intersection Sign: what it means and what to do
A Y intersection sign means the road ahead forks into two roads, or another road joins at an angle. Slow down and know which way you are going.
What it looks like
A yellow diamond with a black Y-shaped symbol.
What to do
- Slow down and read the signs to choose the correct branch.
- Watch for vehicles merging or crossing where the roads meet.
- Signal early so drivers behind you know which fork you are taking.
On the permit test
Tests show the Y and ask what is ahead; the answer is a fork or an angled junction.
Where it shows up on state tests
1 question across our state banks shows this sign. Here is how many each bank has, and what each state's own test rules say about road signs.
| State | Questions showing it | What the state says about signs |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 1 | Part one is 10 traffic-sign questions and you must answer all 10 correctly before part two opens. |
How it differs from similar signs
| Sign | How to recognise it | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Y Intersection Sign | Yellow diamond warning sign with a black Y-shaped intersection symbol | A Y intersection sign means the road ahead forks into two roads, or another road joins at an angle. |
| T Intersection Sign | Yellow diamond warning sign with a black T-shaped intersection symbol | A T intersection sign means your road ends ahead at a T: it does not continue straight through, and you will have to turn left or right. |
| Crossroad Sign | Yellow diamond warning sign with a black plus-shaped crossroad symbol | A crossroad sign means another road crosses yours ahead, so traffic may enter from both sides. |
| Merge Sign | Yellow diamond warning sign showing a lane merging into the main road | A merge sign means traffic from another road or ramp may merge into your lane ahead. |
See them side by side
Common questions
The road splits or another road joins at an angle ahead. Slow down and choose your branch early.
All road signs Practice your state’s permit test free
Sources, checked 2026-10-08: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (FHWA). Written in our own words; follow your state’s manual for the exact wording.